Abstract

The haemocytes of Crassostrea madrasensis were maintained in Hank's balanced
salt solution (HBSS), HBSS with 10% foetal calf serum (FCS), tissue culture
media M 199, and M 199 with 10% FCS. Total counts of viable haemocytes were
taken at 0 hr, 24 hrs, 48 hrs, and 72 hrs. HBSS and HBSS with 10% FCS were
found to maintain cell viability upto 72 hrs without much reduction in the count
of viable cells. In M199 and M199 with 10% FCS, it was found that a substantial
increase of small hyalinocytes occurred at 24 hrs and 48 hrs. This was followed by
a steep fall in the number of viable cells at 72 hrs in both the media. The HBSS,
HBSS with 10% FCS, M199 and M199 with 10% FCS were found to be good for
maintaining the cells in viable state. However, only M 199 and M 199 with 10%
FCS indicated multiplication of haemocytes.